Material Basics. 3 easy steps - understanding your decorative and faux art materials

Material Basics

Gilded Walls

Gilding Walls. Applying Genuine Gold leaf or Metal leaf to walls or ceilings can create a striking feature in any interior. Ribbon Leaf can help get the job done quickly and with more precision. Learn more and purchase Ribbon Leaf now.

more gilding products and techniques

How to antique gold and metal leaf surfaces

Antiquing Gold Leaf

Adding the finishing touches to your gilt surface, whether Genuine Gold Leaf or Composition, imitation gold leaf, requires just the right know-how. And artSparx delivers the expertise to give your project that extra glow.

What Are the Best Materials for Your Project?

Choosing the right materials is the foundation of any successful project. Understanding the properties of different materials and knowing how to use them effectively ensures not only a quality outcome but also a smoother and more efficient process.

Know your Materials

Primers, Paint, Glazes, Adhesives, Sealers, Decorative Plasters

Preparation of Surfaces

Furniture, Objects, Walls, Ceilings

Safety Principles

Product and materials safety. Be smart, be safe!

Understanding Material Basics

Whether you're working on a decorative art piece, home improvement project, or a large-scale design, familiarizing yourself with basic materials is key. From wood and metals to paints, finishes, and adhesives, each material has its own set of strengths and requirements. Learning how to properly prepare and handle these materials will help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure professional results.

Preparing for Success

Preparation is crucial to achieving optimal results. This involves selecting the right materials, properly treating surfaces, and using the best tools for the job. With careful planning and the right techniques, you'll be better equipped to bring your vision to life. Always consider the long-term durability and functionality of the materials you choose.

Safety and Sustainability

Working safely and being environmentally conscious is more important than ever. Choose materials that are eco-friendly and free from harmful chemicals whenever possible. Ensure that your workspace is well-ventilated, use protective gear, and follow proper disposal methods for waste. By thinking safe and working safely, you can protect both yourself and the environment while completing your project successfully.

In summary, understanding and choosing the best materials, preparing them properly, and working with safety in mind are the keys to completing any project with confidence and excellence. Think safe, be safe!

Decorative Paint Effects

Plaster Effects

Create aged and antique effects for furniture and objects

Antique Center

Wall Effects

Gilding Techniques

Furniture Effects

Faux finishing and decorative painting tutorials

Faux Effects

Decorative Plaster Effects

Basic Plaster Finish

Basic Antique Plaster

Venetian Plaster

Simulated Fresco

Hand Painted Details

Aged Plaster

Gilding Center

Exterior Gilding

Gilding Metal

Gilding Glass

Antiquing Gold Leaf

Antiquing Silver Leaf

Gilding Kits

Adam Style Design interiors

Adam style is named for Robert Adam, the most famous architect of the British eighteenth century, who revolutionized Neoclassical design and created a style remarkable for its freshness, fluidity, and grace.

Adam, born in 1728, traveled Europe as a young man, studying the architecture of Roman antiquity. When he returned to England, ready to reinterpret classical principles for a modern audience, he set up an architecture firm with his brother James.

The Adams’ work became enormously influential in England and America, where it was known as Federal style and remained the dominant mode in domestic architecture from the 1790s to the 1830s.

Oil Gilding Video Tutorial

Quick Dry oil size gilding. This detailed demonstration shows you how to apply genuine gold, Silver, imitation gold, aluminum and copper leaf to objects and furniture using the classic 3 hour oil size method. Brought to you by the folks at gildedplanet.com, you'll learn about types of adhesive, testing for 'tack' and drying rates, easy leaf application tips and cleaning and burnishing the leaf.

What's Hot!

Early American Style

Colonial Amercians drew inspriation from their European heritage. Curent design styles would filter across the ocean and become reinventedin early America. Proportion and scale took reign over ornementation, A neutral color palette of grey blue, greens and rose pinks is readily apparent.

Stucco Rustico - Aged Plaster

Stucco Rustico is a Traditional interior and exterior textured plaster that epitomizes the rustic old world charm commonly associated with Tuscan environments. I love this treatment for its ease of application and the natural, organic glazed appearance that results when using mineral based plasters and glazes. Whether a rough application or a smooth finish, this treatment holds true to the test of time and, in fact, feels as if time itself stopped to wash the walls personally.

The Rustic Color Palette

The Rustic Style color palette falls within a distinct range of color tones and is essential in creating a successful Rustic interior. By using the appropriate color tones you can create a variety of design styles ranging from Period and Historic, regional or thematic. Color helps define our experiences within an interior and exterior environment. It affects us on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level and can be calming and passive, expressive and vital.

Painted Floral Details

Floral patterns used as accents in fabrics and furniture are common place details in the English Country home. These graceful and organic patterns complement the cozy interior of this style and work particularly well with lace window treatments, an heirloom tea service set and the natural and rustic charm of wooden ceiling beams and slightly irregularly textured walls.

Material Basics - Knowledge is Key